Penn State’s football legend, Kerry Collins, is set to make a return to the field as the honorary captain for the Nittany Lions in Saturday’s Peach Bowl. On the Ole Miss side, former wide receiver Donte Moncrief will take on the same role.
O CAPTAIN: @PennStateFball QB legend @RealKCollins5 to serve as @CFAPeachBowl honorary captain…https://t.co/3Brki6bK5t
— FightOnState.com (@FightOnState) December 26, 2023
Collins, who played for Penn State from 1991 to 1994, is remembered for his remarkable senior year when he led the Nittany Lions to their first Big Ten title. During that season, Penn State achieved a perfect 12-0 record and secured the No. 2 spot in the national rankings after a victorious 1994 Rose Bowl against Oregon. Collins, in particular, had a standout year, setting multiple school records with a 66.7 percent pass completion rate, 2,679 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
His exceptional performance earned him several accolades, including the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, consensus first-team All-American, and recognition with the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards. Following this success, Collins embarked on a 17-year NFL career, throwing 208 touchdowns with six different teams and leading the New York Giants to the Super Bowl in the 2000 season.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to college football, Collins was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame five years ago. He has since been an advocate for upholding Penn State’s tradition, values, and legacy, which he believes current head coach James Franklin and recent squads have continued to do.
Both Penn State and Ole Miss enter this year’s Peach Bowl with 10-2 records, with Penn State’s only losses coming at the hands of Ohio State and Michigan. The game is scheduled for noon ET on ESPN this Saturday and promises to be an exciting showdown between the Nittany Lions and Lane Kiffin’s Rebels.